Edenton 31st. July 1777

Sir,

This letter you will receive by the hands of Mr. Millan a merchant of this place, he is a Gentn. for whom I have ever entertained a friendship and who has ever Supported a good character; but from the Aleration of times wants to depart the Country he was cited under the Act of Assembly to appear next Court to take the Oath, and came before me and engaged he would make their appearance—he has now a Vessell almost ready to Sail in which he wants to take his passage—and would be glad were it consistant with the line of your Excellencys duty, to have your permition so to do; his Capt. One James Ferguson who has saild, and served, in Mr Hewes employ and mine these ten years and behaved well has been out & brought in Salt since these desputes began & was intended to go on the same errand again hath been cited and stands on the same predicament with Mr. Millan. I do not know how far their Case may differ from the others or whether their departure might not satisfy the Law—this I submit to your excellency—could they be with propriety have liberty to depart I should be excedinly happy—I now Once for the whole beg your pardon for the freedoms of this morning and have the Honor to be

Your Excellency’s

Most Obedt. & very Hbl. Servt

RobSmith

P.S: 

Should you have any papers from Council to forward Mr Millan will be a safe hand the Courts Laws are exceedingly wanted

RS

1777
Robt. Smith
31 July

[on envelope:] ⅌ favour Mr Millan Express